Opposition Leaders Criticise Nairobi Roadblocks at Gen Z Memorial

Opposition leaders criticized the government’s security approach during the June 25 Gen Z memorial events, accusing officials of installing roadblocks and deploying a heavy police presence to impede Kenyans from commemorating the youngsters who died in the 2024 anti‑government protests.
The leaders gathered outside Serena Hotel on Thursday, June 25, 2026, before attempting to reach Parliament, where they planned to lay flowers for those who lost their lives during the demonstrations.
Martha Karua, head of the People’s Liberation Party, questioned the necessity of widespread security operations across the city, stating that the police presence should have been adequate to prevent any criminal activity.
The opposition members laid wreaths beside the barbed‑wire barrier encircling Parliament in remembrance of the victims of the 2024 Gen Z protests.
“There is so much police presence. It is inconceivable that there can be any looting or any property damage,” said Karua.
She added that the opposition were exercising their constitutional rights and expected police officers to facilitate a peaceful memorial event.
“We are peaceful. We are not doing anything wrong; we expect this to be peaceful,” she continued.
Kalonzo Musyoka, leader of the Wiper Party, described the gathering as a tribute to victims and support for their families, asserting that the day deserved national recognition.
“God willing, when we get elected next year, we shall formalise this day to be a proper public holiday,” Musyoka said.
Former Chief Justice David Maraga said the anniversary centred on remembering the lives lost and demanding accountability for the victims’ families.
“Compensation is fine, but no money can buy any life,” Maraga asserted, insisting that those responsible for the deaths should face legal action.
“The police officers and anybody who was involved must be taken and prosecuted,” he added.
DAP‑Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa also condemned the security operation, portraying the road barricades into Nairobi as an attempt to intimidate citizens.
“The city of Nairobi is completely barricaded. It shows a paranoid government that’s afraid of its own people,” Wamalwa remarked.
Authorities maintained that the heightened security across the capital was essential to protect lives, property, and critical infrastructure while allowing lawful activities to proceed.
A tweet from the event summed up the sentiment of the march.
Families of victims, including Mama Rex Maasai and Mama Kennedy Onyango, stood with the opposition leaders and renewed pleas for justice.
Deputy Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli defended the increased security, dismissing claims of roadblockages. He explained, “We have not blocked anyone from using the roads. We are only blocking those who are attempting to cause violence. We are stopping vehicles to check whether some are carrying weapons and criminals. That is our work.”
Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud also justified the restrictions on the Central Business District, insisting the operation aimed to keep criminals out of the city rather than halt peaceful protesters. He added, “We were not closing the roads; we were just sieving the bandits and other criminals. It’s not like we closed the roads; we have been letting people pass.”
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